汉语“宗教”一词的语源与文化意涵——兼论东西方宗教观的对比与会通

The Etymological Derivation and Cultural Connotation of Chinese Term “Zong-jiao”:A Contrast and Compatibility Between Eastern and Western Perspectives on Religion

论文先就"宗教/religion"的语源及义涵切入,对汉语"宗教"一词与英文"religion"一字的核心概念与观点作一些探源与澄清的功课。再以保罗·田立克(Paul Tillich)所倡言的"终极关怀"概念切入,试论东、西方宗教观之对比与会通,希望能在不同的信仰之间,找到共通的精神与理念,以及共同的难题与挑战,有助于东、西方宗教间的沟通与对话。

This paper begins with a concise etymological analysis into the textual and contextual implication of both Chinese term “ zong-jiao” and English word “ religion”,in order to retrace and clarify the basic core concept and perspective of Eastern and Western religions in their own right. Then it addresses the contrast and compatibility between Eastern and Western religious perspectives in terms of the concept of ultimate concern” formulated by Paul Tillich, and attempts to find out common difficulties and challenges as well as the shared spirit and idea between different faiths, in the hope to enhance the communication and dialogue between Eastern and Western religions.